A recruitment campaign has been launched in Bradford on Avon, to enlist community emergency volunteers for civil emergencies such as flooding.

Paul Robertson, who is leading the recruitment drive, hopes 30 people will sign up to provide additional “boots on the ground” in potential emergencies during times of a crisis.

Mr Robertson came up with the idea after his own home, in Bath Road, was flooded last year.

He has spent nine months on the process of consulting with Wiltshire Council about his plans for community volunteers.

He said: “The first three hours are critical and the emergency services do as much as they can, but volunteers are needed as well, to help them out, which sparked the idea.”

The community emergency volunteers will be vital in the planning and preparation for potential emergencies.

They will also assist local and emergency services in providing reassurance to the public during such events.

Mr Robertson, who is encouraging residents and businesses to sign up, added: “We would like to recruit anyone, but it would be better if you are fit and healthy because you will need to be lifting heavy bags of sand.”

“We’ve been speaking to local businesses, to see if they would be interested in getting some staff members involved in volunteering. We just want to see people help out the community.”

The town council, which is working in partnership with Wiltshire Council, is also providing basic training and equipment to allow the volunteers to take on their roles.

Selwood Housing is in negotiations with the team, to offer a garage at reduced rent to help with the project.

Mr Robertson will be presenting an emergency planning workshop with the town’s area board on Wednesday, November 26, between 5.30pm to 8.30pm, at St Margaret’s Hall. Town residents are welcome to attend.